What is the difference between "need to save" and "need saving"?

Rebecca

“Needed saving” is most appropriate in this situation as it is a gerund, functioning as if it was a noun. You can see that in order to create balance and unity in the sentence (i.e. “good-looking,” which also ends in -ing), “needed saving” flows better here than “needed to be saved.” However, the two hold the same meaning and both can be used without changing the intended meaning of the sentence. Ex: He needed saving. = He needed to be saved.